From the decline of Guptas until the rise of Harshavardhana in the early seventh century, which of the following kingdoms were holding power in Northern India? 1. The Guptas of Magadha 2. The Paramaras of Malwa 3. The Pushyabhutis of Thanesar 4. The Maukharis of Kanauj 5. The Yadavas of Devagiri 6. The Maitrakas of Valabhi Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1, 2 and 5
- (b) 1, 3, 4 and 6 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2, 3 and 4
- (d) 5 and 6
Why the answer is (b)
• Between the Gupta decline (c. 550 CE) and Harsha's rise (606 CE), northern India was divided among the Later Guptas of Magadha (1), the Pushyabhutis of Thanesar (3, Harsha's own line), the Maukharis of Kanauj (4) and the Maitrakas of Valabhi in Saurashtra (6).
• Harsha's sister Rajyashri was married to the Maukhari king Grahavarman, linking these kingdoms.
• The Paramaras of Malwa (2) rose only in the 9th–10th century and the Yadavas of Devagiri (5) in the 12th century in the Deccan — both far too late.
• Hence 1, 3, 4 and 6, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1, 2 and 5
- Paramaras and Yadavas rose centuries later.
- (c) 2, 3 and 4
- Paramaras are too late; Later Guptas and Maitrakas belong here.
- (d) 5 and 6
- Yadavas are 12th-century Deccan rulers; several northern kingdoms are omitted.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.